Escort SmartRadar Detector Review
This detector is out of production, please click here for other remote radar detector options
Is the radar detector hanging on your dash an invitation to thieves?
You would be amazed at the number of emails that I receive from radar detector users who had their detector stolen and were now shopping around for a replacement.
Another concern is that states such as California and Minnesota have enacted laws prohibiting you from attaching devices such as radar detectors and/or GPS’s to your windshield where they would impair your vision.
Till recently the only other alternative has been investing in a more expensive remote mounted radar detector such as the Escort 9500ci or the Bel STi R Plus.
Watch my Video Review of the Escort SmartRadar Below:
Escort Radar to the Rescue with SmartRadar: Out-Of-Sight High Performance Radar Protection
SmartRadar is a totally new way to bring concealed high performance radar protection right to your fingertips without having to add the expense of having to purchase a remote mounted unit.
You can attach the discreet radar detector antenna module to your sun visor or to the top of your windshield, attach the control module to your rear view mirror, plug the unit into the back of your mirror or to your fuse box for power and you’re done.
My install took less then 10 minutes!
Another great benefit of SmartRadar it’s Escort Live Compatible.
Interfacing your SmartRadar with your iPhone or Android smartphone taps you right into the Escort Live Community where you will have instant access to other drivers on the road sharing real time ticket protection alerts and photo enforcement alerts.
The Escort Live interface also makes advanced programming a snap by blocking out known false alert locations or even allowing you to deactivate bands not used in your area.
During This review of Escort’s SmartRadar I logged over 3000 miles.
I would rate the performance and sensitivity of SmartRadar as being identical to that of the Escort 9500ix and the Escort 8500 X50.
Also during this review I also compared the SmartRadar to Cobra’s iRadar’s performance, sensitivity, filtering and smartphone integration and in each area SmartRadar won out.
There were several occasions that SmartRadar alerted long before Cobra’s iRadar even made a chirp on Ka threats.
Also Cobra’s iRadar was much more prone to reporting false alerts threats which can be very annoying.
To top it off, SmartRadar’s smartphone integration was much more intuitive and without a doubt the Escort Live community is definitely more committed to our radar detector community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Escort SmartRadar
Here are just a few of the frequently asked questions I receive regarding Escort’s SmartRadar.
- How easy is it to Install Escort’s SmartRadar: Very easy! The hardest part of the install will be connecting the antenna to a 12 volt power supply and Escort makes this very easy with 2 options. Option #1 is using the rear view mirror power cord. If your mirror has a 12 volt connection just plug in the connector and you’re done. Otherwise use the fusebox cable that comes with SmartRadar and connect the ends into your fusebox. My install took less then 10 minutes.
- Does SmartRadar detect radar from the rear: Yes, SmartRadar has full 360 radar protection.
- If I purchase SmartRadar from a dealer on Amazon, Ebay or Overstock will I have a full warranty: No, to be eligible for Escort’s warranty you must purchase your unit from an authorized dealer. All the links here on RadarDetector.org are to authorized dealers. We do NOT sell radar detectors here on RadarDetector.org.
- SmartRadar says it detects laser, is this enough to protect me against laser threats: No. If you rely on laser detection only you will get a ticket. To be 100% protected against laser you need a laser jammer.
- Is the SmartRadar stealth to RDD’s such as the Spectre: No. If you plan on using your radar detector in Virginia, Washington DC or in a commercial vehicle I would recommend either the Escort Redline or the Bel STi R Plus.
My Bottom Line Recommendation for Escort’s Smart Radar
If you’re in the market for a high performance radar detector and don’t want to go through the hassle of removing it each time when you park or by going though with the expense of installing a remote this unit is definitely for you!
Your Questions/Concerns?
If you have a question or concern about Escort’s SmartRadar or any other question regarding speed counter measurement devices please use the comment area bellow.
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Thanks and please Drive Safe and Drive Smart…..
28 Responses to “Escort SmartRadar Detector Review”
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I am certainly curious how it “gives 360° protection” when it cannot have any direct line of sight through the mirror behind it for rear laser detection?
I think this suffers the same fatal flaw as the Passport IQ in that it uses the BT radio to connect, which means your phone cannot be connected to the car. Why did they not use the WiFi radio?
Lastly, I get they are trying to get everything off the windshield, but blocking AC vents is a real no no in TX during the summer. I am surprised AZ is any different, even though “it is a dry heat.”
Radar is a radio wave thus it can penetrate the cabin area of your car. The same with the remote mounted 9500ci and Bel STi R
Radar Roy,
What about MaxNix’s question about bluetooth? This would be a deal breaker for me also.
If your phone is not connected you will still get alerts through the display module. My iPhone has no problem being connected to my car and to the SmartRadar at the same time.
Radar Roy,
Thank you for you well thought out and helpful commentary on detectors. I drive approx 45000k per and have been using a radar detector for the past 17 years. With all these great detectors I am squarely stuck on the fence between the Smart-radar detector and the Redline. I am planning on subscribing to Escort Live for my next detector as well. Which way would you go given the choice? I do some long distance driving, but the lions share is on the highways around NYC between NY and NJ. I currently use a 7 year old 8500 x50 with very good results.
Thanks again!
If you’re drive a lot on the highway would recommend the Escort Redline without question – Superior range and performance. Remember to sign up to get your 10% off discount.
Hey GCooper,
You might want to check your math… You say that you “drive approx 45000k per” but 45000k = 45 million miles. That’s a bunch of miles dude… 🙂
Your correct, thanks for bringing this to my attention….
Hate to shoot a new video, will remember this next time
Hello Roy,
do you have a promo code for this item?
thanks
I do but you will need to sign-up for our free newsletter to get it
Will make a nice xmas present for my son who’s off to college 😉
Hi Roy, thanks for the great review!
I am interested in using the SmartRadar on my motorcycle and had a few questions.
But before it ask my questions, here is my setup:
A) Samsung Galaxy S3 Android Phone hard mounted in an Ultimate Addons waterproof Toughcase on my handlebar, powered thru a switched CANBUS dc source. I use the Sygic Navigation app (doesn’t require a phone signal to operate, which is nice out in the boonies), my phone, and my music, all bluetoothed to my helmet.
B) Sena SMH-10 Bluetooth helmet com system. It can communicate to other riders, but I use it primarily to connect via Bluetooth to my Android Phone.
Ok, here are my questions:
1) Does an audible sound come out of the bluetooth connected phone when there is an alert? If so, does it override the music (like my navigation app) if I happen to be listening to music thru the bluetooth?
2) Does an audible sound come out of radar unit when there is an alert? I would
Ike to turn that off so the only audible alert is in my helmet.
3) Can the power switch be left in the always on position? I plan on mounting the detector unit tucked in under the windshield, and hard wired to CANBUS switched power. There will be no access to the power switch once installed.
4) How weather resistant is the detector unit? Is it as good as the remote mounted detectors you’ve come across?
Thanks, I know many of us in the MC community are looking for good Bluetooth enabled radar options- hopefully this product can make the grade.
Rob
Well as the control head and the detector itself is not waterproof, I wouldn’t recommend mounting on your bike. But here are my responses to your other questions:
1) Yes, a slight “beep” and then defaults to the radar detector screen
2) Same as above
3) Yes, my unit is on all the time
4) Weather will destroy this detector and the display
5) The STiR has better range and sensitivity
Hope I got them all
I’m slightly confused. I think this has been answered already, but I’m it certain. Does This detector only block out false alarms if the app is on?
Correct, the app must be on for the GPS database to know it’s a false
Ok. Last question. I have int across my upper front windshield. Will mounting the detector on the tint cause any reception problems?
The tint will not affect radar problems, will reduce the reception of laser however
Very informative review, it’s too bad you don’t sell radar detectors on your site, because you would make a great salesman! I have a question about the Bluetooth functionality of this device. Currently I have my iphone 5 set up in a dash mount with USB to the speakers, as well as auto-connect to my silverados Bluetooth.
Would pairing my phone with this detector allow calls to still be pushed through my vehicle?
Also, I know you touched on this with another commenter with his motorcycle set up, but does the iPhone provide audio alert to detection? Or strictly from the actual sensing box? And is there a way to have just the phone alert? My hearing isn’t what it used to be after the service, and having my phone dim my music to relay alerts would seem to be the best way for me.
Yes, by pairing you will still be able to get calls and even listen to your iTunes
You will hear the alerts on the phone, but they are very low volume
i gust got the redline,but it does go off Intel you get with in 500 to 1000 yards form the police car. Iam on hwy mode i do not know what is going on with this unit
Remember, police radar is directional, so if you’re approaching the opposite direction from where the gun is facing this is normal
If I get the apple one will I still be able to use it with a android phone late on?
No, they are phone specific
How is does the SmartRadar do on Laser? Does it out perform the 8500 and 9500 on laser?
Thanks
The SmartRadar is based on Escorts M4 design so as far as laser has the same performance
How do I get the app to work while I have Waze giving me directions or Talking on the phone? Thank you
All you do is download the app, interface it with your detector and turn it on
If I am using Waze then the app for the detector does not display if it starts beeping to let you know what band is causing the radar to go off.